West End | ALXnow

Alexandria Now Offering Emergency Rent Relief for Residents Affected by COVID-19

Published May 21, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated May 22, 2020 at 10:32AM

(Updated at 10:30 a.m.) Alexandria is now accepting applications for $600 per month for three months of emergency rental assistance for residents affected by COVID-19 and who are living beneath the median household income.

The emergency funds have been made available via $13.9 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and will be provided to residents regardless of their citizenship status, according to the city. Additionally, the program flier has been translated into English, Spanish, Arabic, and Amharic.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

City Urges Residents to Use Caution Outside — “The City and the Alexandria Health Department urge everyone to follow Governor Northam’s order to #stayhome except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and maintain physical distancing when possible.” [Twitter]

Beyer Lashes Out Against Senate Republicans — “Senate Republicans are refusing to consider more help for the American people during pandemic. Instead they are now prioritizing investigations of the President’s political rivals. They previously said they didn’t have time to hear from witnesses during the impeachment trial.” [Twitter]

News

There Are Now 1,224 COVID-19 Cases in Alexandria, Hispanic Cases Continue to Rise

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2020 at 10:15AM | Updated May 11, 2020 at 1:06PM

There are now 1,224 cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria, an increase of 31 new or probable case since yesterday.

No new deaths have been announced and there have been 30 fatalities due to the virus in the city. Additionally, the city’s Hispanic population leads with positive cases at 533 and four reported deaths.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 23, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 23, 2020 at 10:28AM

Hunger Free Alexandria Has Urgent Need for Volunteers Today — “Urgent need for Thursday, April 23, 4:30-7:00 p.m. Hunger Free Alexandria is working with World Central Kitchen to feed our neighbors in need. Bring your mask and help with bagging pre-packaged food and distributing meals. Location is on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria.” [Facebook]

State Legislators Reconvene in Richmond — “My “desk” at one of the most unusual legislative sessions in Virginia history. We begin at noon. You can watch us on the livestream. Virginia Transparency even during COVID-19!” [Mark Levine/Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

Mayor Marries Couple in Socially Distant Ceremony — “Alanis sang about rain on your wedding day. I’m not sure she envisioned THIS.‬ ‪It was such an honor to put on real pants (first time in weeks!), grab my mask and walk to Parkfairfax to marry a wonderful couple whose original plans were scrambled.‬ ‪Congrats!‬” [Facebook]

‘Mind The Mat’ Hosting Virtual Meditations at 9 a.m. — “Join MtM Monday-Friday mornings for this free 15 minute guided mediation to start your day off right.” [Facebook]

News

Arrests Made for Double Stabbing at Dora Kelley Nature Park

By Vernon Miles

Published April 10, 2020 at 2:30PM

Two Alexandria men are in custody after a stabbing incident at Dora Kelley Nature Park in the West End on March 15 that left two victims in the hospital with serious injuries.

Edgardo Roman Guevara, 20, was arrested on March 31, and 19-year-old Cesar Loza Castillo was arrested on March 27. Both have been charged with malicious wounding and assault by mob, and are being held without bail in the Alexandria Jail.

News

Rent Strike Showdown at Southern Towers as City Leaders Push for Compromise

By Vernon Miles

Published April 10, 2020 at 11:30AM

The Sherwood apartment building at Southern Towers in Alexandria's West End. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

While residents at Southern Towers are preparing to strike, city leadership is caught in the middle of trying to negotiate a ceasefire before things escalate.

Residents at the West End apartment complex, many of whom have service industry jobs and were recently laid off due to the pandemic, have begun organizing for a strike wherein they refuse to pay their rent, WAMU first reported.

News

Landmark Mall Redevelopment Has Uncertain Future

By James Cullum

Published April 6, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated April 6, 2020 at 1:51PM

After several years of stops and starts, the redevelopment of Landmark Mall is as uncertain as ever.

City Councilman Canek Aguirre informed the Cameron Station Civic Association on March 7, 2020, that Howard Hughes no longer has any interest in the redevelopment project at Landmark.

News

Police: Man Arrested For West End Hit-And-Run, DUI

By James Cullum

Published March 24, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated March 24, 2020 at 2:23PM

Police car lights (file photo)

A 42-year-old Alexandria man was arrested for a hit and run and driving under the influence after allegedly smashing his Land Rover into a telephone pole in the West End on Monday, March 9.

At around 11:30 p.m., an Alexandria Police officer was on mobile patrol when he reported finding vehicle debris and a snapped telephone pole in the area of Lincolnia Road and Quantrell Avenue.

News

No Arrest After Shots Fired Near Taney Avenue Park

By James Cullum

Published March 23, 2020 at 3:15PM | Updated March 23, 2020 at 4:29PM

Alexandria police cruiser (File photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria Police have apprehended no suspects after receiving multiple calls for shots fired early Friday evening in the city’s West End near Taney Avenue Park.

Police were called by neighbors at 7:20 p.m. and arrived at the 4300 block of Taney Avenue to find a number of spent shell casings from a handgun, Alexandria Police Spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine told ALXnow.

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published March 3, 2020 at 8:00AM

Presidential Primary Day in Alexandria — Today is Super Tuesday, the presidential primary day in Virginia and 13 other states across the U.S. Here in Alexandria, polls are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. [City of Alexandria]

New Development Near Braddock Road Metro — “CRC Cos. LLC is pitching a plan to redevelop several single-family homes across from the Braddock Road Metro station into a new mixed-use building. The Arlington-based real estate firm submitted plans to Alexandria officials last week for a seven-story, 177-unit building along North West Street, bounded by Madison Street and Wythe Street. The proposal also calls for a small space set aside for ground-floor retail.” [Washington Business Journal]